Overview
When planning a trip to Tokyo, many travelers face the same question: Should I fly into Narita Airport or Haneda Airport? Both airports serve the Tokyo metropolitan area, but they differ in distance, convenience, transportation options, and flight availability.
This guide compares both airports across essential factors—travel time, access, costs, and overall comfort—helping you choose the airport that fits your itinerary, budget, and travel style.
Airport Comparison Table
| Factor | Narita Airport | Haneda Airport | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to Central Tokyo | About 60 km | About 20 km | Haneda wins |
| Travel Time | 60–90 minutes by train or bus | 20–40 minutes by train or monorail | Haneda wins |
| Flight Availability | More long-haul and low-cost international routes | More domestic and regional flights | Tie |
| Transport Options | JR Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, airport buses, taxis | JR Line, Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line, buses | Haneda wins |
| Typical Cost to Central Tokyo | approx. ¥2,500–¥3,500 | approx. ¥300–¥1,000 | Haneda wins |
Location and Access
Narita Airport (NRT) is located in Chiba Prefecture, roughly 60 km east of central Tokyo. It’s Japan’s primary hub for long-haul routes and low-cost carriers.
Haneda Airport (HND) sits just 20 km south of central Tokyo. With quick access to major areas like Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station, it’s known for convenience and fast city connections.
If easy and affordable access to Tokyo is your priority, Haneda offers a clear advantage.
Transportation Options and Costs
From Narita Airport
- JR Narita Express (N’EX): Comfortable reserved seating; about 55 minutes to Tokyo Station
- Keisei Skyliner: Fastest route to Ueno/Nippori; about 41 minutes
- Airport Limousine Bus: Direct to hotels and major stations
- Taxi: Convenient but expensive (approx. ¥20,000–¥30,000)
From Haneda Airport
- Tokyo Monorail: 13–20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station
- Keikyu Line: Direct link to Shinagawa and JR connections
- Taxi: Affordable for late arrivals (approx. ¥8,000〜)
Overall, Haneda is both faster and cheaper when traveling into Tokyo.
Flight Availability and Airlines
Narita Airport handles a wide mix of global airlines, including major carriers and many low-cost airlines such as AirAsia and Scoot. It’s ideal for competitive fares and long-haul flights to Europe or North America.
Haneda Airport has increased its international capacity significantly. It now offers routes across Asia, North America, and Europe, while also serving as the country’s most important domestic airport.
- Choose Narita for more long-haul or budget airline choices
- Choose Haneda for smoother arrivals and convenient domestic transfers
Using the JR Pass from the Airport
Both airports integrate well with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass):
- From Narita: The Narita Express provides direct access to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Yokohama
- From Haneda: Take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa, then transfer to JR lines to begin your nationwide journey
Haneda tends to be more convenient for passengers starting a JR Pass trip immediately upon arrival.
Airport Facilities and Traveler Comfort
Narita Airport Highlights
- Multiple observation decks with great plane-spotting
- Extensive duty-free shopping and restaurants
- Capsule hotels and lounges ideal for long layovers
Haneda Airport Highlights
- Modern terminals with excellent English signage
- “Edo Koji” shopping street themed after old Tokyo
- Superior business and international lounges (ANA & JAL)
- 24-hour operations and smooth late-night transportation
Both airports provide free Wi-Fi, luggage delivery, clean facilities, and tourist information centers.
Which Airport Is Best for You?
Choose Haneda Airport if:
- You want fast and low-cost access to central Tokyo
- You’re on a business trip or short stay
- You prefer newer, modern facilities
Choose Narita Airport if:
- You’re flying long-haul or with low-cost carriers
- You want more global flight options
- You don’t mind a longer trip into the city
Final Thoughts
For most travelers with Tokyo as their main destination, Haneda Airport is the best choice thanks to its unbeatable location, faster transport, and lower costs. However, Narita remains important for its long-haul routes, LCC options, and smooth international connections.
No matter which airport you choose, Japan’s airport system is known for efficiency, cleanliness, and traveler-friendly services—making both Narita and Haneda excellent gateways for your trip to Japan.
